Chapter 13

【Chapter 4】

That morning, in a room bathed in transparent sunlight, Claudia was using an important spell. Since this would affect the future, she couldn't afford to cut any corners. After careful consideration, she solidified the construct in her mind.

"Here we go, Noah."

She gently wiggled her outstretched index finger at the slightly perplexed servant.

A sphere of light emerged from her fingertip and swam toward Noah, who was dressed in simple white clothing. The light enveloped Noah, spreading in a dazzling glow before slowly fading away.

"--- That's perfect."

"..."

Seeing Noah's appearance, Claudia was very satisfied. There stood Noah, dressed in a military-style uniform, standing with a serious expression.

The black jacket, adorned with delicate embroidery, suited Noah's slender yet tall frame. To avoid a heavy atmosphere, the cape and leggings were white, with a vibrant crimson lining.

Thanks to the elegant design, Noah's refined features and quiet dignity were accentuated.

The ear ornament she had him wear was a red one. The long, jingling ear ornament was an important symbol indicating that he was Claudia's servant.

"Perfect."

It turned out even better than she had imagined in her mind. Claudia smiled and clapped her fingers.

"You look really cool, Noah."

"..."

Noah, looking somewhat unwilling, glanced at his entire body and then gave Claudia a sidelong, half-lidded look.

"Allow me to advise you, as your dog."

"What is it?"

"--- 'Do not waste your magic.'"

He spoke each word deliberately, as if engraving them.

It seemed that this beautiful puppy would defy her orders if it meant protecting her. Claudia chuckled and straightened Noah's jacket collar.

"It's not a waste. Making you look good is necessary for me."

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

She nodded and took Noah's hand. Noah, now dressed in the new clothes, looked down at her with a somewhat complicated expression. It seemed that in Noah's mind, Claudia was perceived as older than him.

(She must be gauging my soul's age, not my physical age. ...Indeed, she has a high aptitude for magic.)

Looking forward to the future, Claudia told Noah:

"Your task today is to protect me. Understand?"

Of course, Claudia could protect herself. Noah probably knew this and might have countered with, "There's no need to protect me." However, to her surprise, Noah nodded sincerely.

"Understood."

(...Oh, how reliable.)

Claudia chuckled and gripped Noah's index and middle fingers.

***

"Welcome, guests."

"Princess Claudia."

The magician Karlheinz, who was in the guest room, bowed respectfully to Claudia. Claudia, holding Noah's hand, smiled up at Karlheinz.

Behind Karlheinz stood about fifteen magicians who seemed to be his subordinates. Their gazes, however, were not on Claudia but on Noah.

(Just as planned.)

Claudia smiled but looked up at the reluctant Noah.

(After all, Noah demonstrated his combat skills here against the old man. It's natural for the magicians to be interested in him.)

She then turned her gaze back to Karlheinz.

(Though, this man seems different.)

Karlheinz's red eyes continued to look down at Claudia. It was inevitable that this man would see through something about her. For now, she focused on the other magicians.

"Princess?"

"What is it? Noah."

"Please give a proper greeting to the people here."

Noah knelt and spoke the rehearsed words. Claudia pretended to remember and turned to the magicians.

She then pinched the hem of her dress and bowed awkwardly.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Claudia, six years old."

Smiling with her best smile, the magicians looked amused.

"My favorite animal is a fluffy, big dog! But recently, I also like a dog with beautiful black fur."

"..."

A complicated gaze came from beside her, but Claudia paid no mind. What mattered were the magicians.

"Um, to welcome... everyone..."

"..."

"Um, well, that is..."

Claudia stopped speaking and made an anxious expression. Immediately, the magicians looked flustered.

(Surprised. These magicians are quite kind.)

She could feel their encouragement, "Try your best." With this, she could easily pull off the crying act she had been told was poor a few days ago. So, she pretended to cry to Noah as planned.

"Noah..."

"Princess. Welcome."

"Welcome!"

She brightened her expression and acted as if she had gained confidence.

"Um, to welcome... everyone!"

She said it with a big smile, and the magicians clapped and praised her.

"Excellent greeting, Princess!"

"How adorable..."

Claudia sighed and hid behind Noah, looking embarrassed. Of course, it was all an act. Among the magicians who praised her with smiles, only Noah, who knew the truth, and Karlheinz, who seemed to have seen through it, did not change their expressions.

Noah, shielding Claudia from behind, told Karlheinz:

"Sir Magician, as you can see, the Princess is not accustomed to large gatherings."

"..."

"Therefore, if you have something to discuss with the Princess, please do so alone."

A red-haired magician beside Karlheinz interjected:

"Um, Noah? That is..."

"It's fine."

"Leader."

Karlheinz stepped forward and knelt before Claudia.

"I apologize for our rudeness, Princess Claudia. We failed to consider your comfort, and I am truly sorry."

"..."

His red eyes still observed her closely. Claudia smiled and clung to Noah again.

"Um, Noah..."

"Princess is crying. Please, quickly, escort the others out."

"Understood. I will comply."

With this, the troublesome situation was reduced. Claudia, satisfied, sat down in the plush chair in the guest room, now with only herself, Noah, and Karlheinz.